1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

GCA or autoimmune condition appearing as rash on breast

Posted by twistedwillow @twistedwillow, Oct 31, 2022

Hello. I am writing to enquire if anyone has knowledge of this or a rash on the breast . It looks like inflammatory breast cancer, red with swollen veins and it’s achy, but I have been screened for that. The dermatologist says it’s probably an autoimmune condition but doesn’t have any idea which one. The biopsy says livido reticularis, which is associated with autoimmune conditions. I never feel well and am having trouble controlling my inflammatory markers. Any advice on possible causes will be gratefully received. My rheumatologist has no interest. Just says talk to the Dermatologist, even though I sent him articles and photos about breast GCA, which looks exactly like it. Thank you for your interest.

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jabrown0407 | @jabrown0407 | Nov 4, 2022
In reply to @milld835 "I have a rash under my left breast. It's not itchy or terrible, just there. It..." + (show)
@milld835

I have a rash under my left breast. It's not itchy or terrible, just there. It comes and goes. I've been attributing it to the extreme heat and dampness in that area and sometimes I put a tissue or makeup pad between my bra and the rash. Never thought of it being GCA. I have a phone convo with Rheumie at end of month so perhaps she will shed some light, not that she will be able to look at the rash. This is why I despise telephone appointments.

Jump to this post

No breast rash should be ignored. There is a form of a very aggressive breast cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, that manifests itself as a breast rash. Run, do not walk to your PCP or obgyn and have it eliminated as the problem. Days and weeks of delay can put you into stage 4 because it is aggressive. Years ago my PCP had a breast rash and by the time she showed it to a breast surgeon it was Stage 3. She had a Mammo 6 weeks earlier and it was clean.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355413
Once Inflammatory Breast Cancer is eliminated as the problem then the other causes for your symptoms should be considered.

So sorry you are having this problem.

REPLY
2 replies
twistedwillow | @twistedwillow | Nov 5, 2022
In reply to @jabrown0407 "No breast rash should be ignored. There is a form of a very aggressive breast cancer,..." + (show)
@jabrown0407

No breast rash should be ignored. There is a form of a very aggressive breast cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, that manifests itself as a breast rash. Run, do not walk to your PCP or obgyn and have it eliminated as the problem. Days and weeks of delay can put you into stage 4 because it is aggressive. Years ago my PCP had a breast rash and by the time she showed it to a breast surgeon it was Stage 3. She had a Mammo 6 weeks earlier and it was clean.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355413
Once Inflammatory Breast Cancer is eliminated as the problem then the other causes for your symptoms should be considered.

So sorry you are having this problem.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for your kind answer. Inflammatory breast cancer was my first thought and my GP was quick to send me to the 2 week assessment. They did a mammogram, which was negative and the breast consultant referred me to a dermatologist . It took a while to get an appointment and then another wait for a biopsy, which came back as livido reticularis. I was concerned because the dermatologist said he would take the biopsy from the worst part but the young dr took it from the outer area, which had barely any rash. Anyway, I am now waiting for my dermatologist apt at the end of Nov. He seems to think it’s related to another autoimmune condition but doesn’t know what. He’s done a few blood tests. I was very concerned to hear that your friends mammogram was clear. I am sorry she had a late diagnosis. I am going to ask my GP if I should have another mammogram as it’s been nearly a year now. Thanks again.

REPLY
milld835 | @milld835 | Nov 5, 2022
In reply to @jabrown0407 "No breast rash should be ignored. There is a form of a very aggressive breast cancer,..." + (show)
@jabrown0407

No breast rash should be ignored. There is a form of a very aggressive breast cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, that manifests itself as a breast rash. Run, do not walk to your PCP or obgyn and have it eliminated as the problem. Days and weeks of delay can put you into stage 4 because it is aggressive. Years ago my PCP had a breast rash and by the time she showed it to a breast surgeon it was Stage 3. She had a Mammo 6 weeks earlier and it was clean.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355413
Once Inflammatory Breast Cancer is eliminated as the problem then the other causes for your symptoms should be considered.

So sorry you are having this problem.

Jump to this post

Thanks. I just had a mammo about 1 month ago which was clean, but I will get it checked out.

REPLY
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